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Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: A look at the status of each of the SEC and Big 12 programs

The SEC's stock is up, way up on the football front. By comparison, the Big 12 — and every other conference — is down.

by John Helsley
Modified: August 25, 2013 at 3:00 pm •
Published: August 25, 2013

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The SEC's stock is up, way up on the football front. By comparison, the Big 12 — and every other conference — is down. Still, nine of the Big 12's 10 schools played in a bowl game a year ago, which isn't all bad, right?

A current examination on the status of the programs from both leagues:

SEC

Alabama. The program by which all others are compared. In a time of parity across college football, the Crimson Tide stands as the closest thing to a dynasty, with three of the last four national titles. Thumbs Up

Arkansas. Moving from the old Southwest Conference to the SEC hasn't been proved so grand for the Razorbacks. They have no league championships; much turmoil and turnover. Thumbs Down

Auburn. It's tough being little brother to Bama. They did win the 2010 national title, but it came amid much controversy and their return to mediocrity resulted in a coaching change. Thumbs Down

Florida. With two national titles in the last 10 years, the Gators have been a consistent force in the SEC and nationally. Post-Urban Meyer, Will Muschamp has kept Florida on track. Thumbs Up

Georgia. No coach in the country draws constant criticism like Mark Richt. Still, he's a proven winner and had the Dawgs on the brink of the national title game a year ago. Thumbs Up

Kentucky. The Wildcats last won an SEC title in 1976. And they've only won two total in their history. Maybe a Stoops brother (Mark) can elevate football in hoops country. Thumbs Down

LSU. For all the jabs absorbed by Les Miles, the Mad Hatter always keeps the Tigers relevant. They're an annual national title contender, with one recent championship. Thumbs Up

Mississippi State. The Bulldogs, who haven't won a league title since 1941, have been up and down. Dan Mullen's strong recruiting seems to have MSU on another upswing. Thumbs Up

Missouri. The Tigers must be questioning their move from the Big 12, following a dreadful debut in the SEC a year ago. Expectations aren't high for 2013, either. Thumbs Down

Ole Miss. Much like their brethren up the road in Starkville, the Rebels seem to rise and fade, never really reaching contender status. Yet like MSU, there's an air of current optimism. Thumbs Up

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